What is Mediation?

Mediation is a way of helping people in conflict to find a win/win solution to their issues. UNITE provides a local community mediation service, workplace mediation/conciliation, victim/ offender mediation, and homelessness/intra family mediation

Find out more on this page about the issues community mediation can help with, the advantages of mediation, the process and frequently asked questions.

Community Mediation - The Process

People can contact UNITE directly to refer their case or they may be referred by an organisation. (Click here for more information about contacting UNITE to refer a case)

Mediators will speak to the people involved separately first to confirm that they want to take part in mediation and to hear their view of the situation.

Next, everyone is brought together in a meeting at a neutral venue. The mediators will ensure that everyone has a chance to speak. When the parties find a solution they are all happy with an agreement is written up, signed by all those present. Everyone takes a copy home with them.

Mediation allows young people, old people and people from different cultures to resolve their differences with a trained mediator.

Issues for Community Mediation

  • Noise
  • Parking
  • Children's ball games
  • Boundaries
  • Litter
  • Building Work
  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Anti-social behaviour
  • Bullying
  • Lifestyle differences
  • Cultural differences
  • Alarms
  • Breakdown in communication
  • Gossip
  • Landlord/tenants
  • Verbal abuse

Advantages of Community Mediation

  • The process is CONFIDENTIAL
  • It's quick and informal
  • The solutions are decided by you and not the mediators
  • The mediators are impartial and independent
  • You have nothing to lose - other options are still available
  • It gets those in conflict talking to each other again
  • UNITE's community mediation service is free to the residents of Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Redcar & Cleveland, Stockton, Hambleton, Sunderland and Gateshead

Frequently Asked Questions about Community Mediation

Who are the mediators?

Community mediation is carried out by specially trained mediators.

What is involved?

Mediators talk to each neighbour involved in the dispute to find out about the issues. If the parties do not know about mediation UNITE will contact them to see if they would like to take part and they will find out their side of the story. If everyone feels that the problem needs to be resolved, the chances of success are high. The joint meeting takes place at a neutral venue and the mediators will guide the process, helping the parties explore various solutions. Everyone has a chance to speak without being interrupted. When the parties find a solution with which they are all happy. They are asked to sign an agreement, and keep a copy themselves.

How long does it take?

After the initial interviews, one joint meeting is usually all that is necessary. It normally lasts about 2 hours.

Is the joint agreement legally binding?

It is not a legal contract but allows the parties to focus on what has been decided and what individual responsibilities have been agreed upon. The parties' legal rights are not affected and they are free to pursue a legal course of action at any time if they so wish.

What happens if I don't want to meet my neighbours?

UNITE finds that joint meetings are the most successful way of reaching a joint agreement. In some circumstances they will conduct a "shuttle mediation". This means that the mediators will go from house to house helping the neighbours to come to an agreement.

Will the mediators tell us what to do?

The mediators will guide you through the mediation process but they won't tell you what to put in the agreement or give you advice.

Whose side are the mediators on?

The mediators are impartial, that means they are not on anyone's side. Both neighbours will get the same service.

What if I decide I don't want mediation?

Mediation is voluntary. If you don't want to carry on with the process, you can talk to the mediators and stop at any time.

Where does the mediation take place?

The initial interviews can take place on the phone and/or in your home. The joint meeting will take place at a neutral venue.

What if I get upset at the joint meeting?

The mediators are there to help you. If you get upset or need a break you can ask the mediators to stop the meeting until you feel ready to continue.

Who will know that we have had mediation?

UNITE has a confidentiality policy that will be explained to you when you request mediation. If your case has been referred by another agency such as the housing office or the police we will tell them that a joint agreement has been reached but we will not tell them what is in the agreement or anything you have told us at the meeting or in the interviews before the joint meeting.

Can UNITE mediate between more than two neighbours?

Yes, UNITE have successfully mediated where there are many parties involved in a dispute. There may be a situation affecting your whole street or neighbourhood. Contact UNITE and we will explain how we can help.